PowerPoint abuse and the military

Interesting article in the NYT today about how the use of PowerPoint in military meetings "makes us stupid" (according to Gen. James N. Mattis of the Marine Corps, the Joint Forces commander). The problem: "Commanders say that behind all the PowerPoint jokes are serious concerns that the program stifles discussion, critical thinking and thoughtful decision-making."

I'd say that holds for all meetings that intend to delve deeper than a "70 tips in 60 minutes" type of session. Wouldn't you?

Update: Just read Seth Godin's take on this, and he nails it. Especially like this line: "Guns don't kill people, bullets do."